ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Nagar Van Yojana aims to create green and sustainable cities
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change encourages plantation in the country including various metropolitan cities through programmes and schemes such as Nagar Van Yojana, School Nursery Yojana, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority , National Afforestation Programme , National Mission for a Green India , etc. which promotes urban forestry, tree plantation on vacant lands and bunds on farm lands etc. by involving local communities, NGOs, educational institutions, local bodies, etc.
In respect to urban areas, the Ministry is implementing Nagar Van Yojana  which envisages creating a Nagar Van/Nagar Vatika in City having Municipal Corporation/Municipal Council/Municipality/Urban Local Bodies  for providing wholesome healthy living environment for the residents and thus contributing to growth of clean, green, healthy and sustainable cities. The scheme is being implemented across the country including Maharashtra using the funds under the National Fund of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority .So far, the Ministry has approved 9 Nagar Van/Vatika projects in Maharashtra with the total cost of Rs. 726.83 Lakhs.
The following additional steps taken by the Government contribute to protection and development of forest areas in the country including in the metropolitan cities:
- For preservation and protection of forest and wildlife, various laws including the Forest  Act 1980, Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and other central/state laws as applicable to a State/UT, are implemented by the respective State Government /UT Administration.
- The Ministry has implemented National Afforestation Programme  for tree plantation in degraded forests through people’s participation which has been merged with National Mission for a Green India , under which, in addition to other sub-missions, there is a specific sub-mission for enhancing tree cover in urban and peri-urban areas.
- Urban forestry is a permissible activity under the provisions of Compensatory Fund Act, 2016 and the Rules made there under.
- Further, tree plantation, being a multi-departmental, multi-agency activity, are also being taken up cross-sectorally under various programmes/funding sources of other ministries/ organizations and also through State Plan budgets.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Doctors Exhorted to prescribe Generic Medicines
More than 9600 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras have been set up covering all districts of the country to promote generic medicines at affordable prices
Clause 1.5 of the Indian Medical Council  Regulations, 2002 prescribes that every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is rational prescription and use of drug. Further, the erstwhile Medical Council of India had issued Circulars dated 22.11.2012, 18.01.2013 and 21.04.2017 vide which all Registered Medical Practitioners have been directed to comply with the aforesaid provisions.
The National Medical Commission Act, 2019, empowers the appropriate State Medical Councils or the Ethics and Medical Registration Board  of the National Medical Commission to take disciplinary action against a doctor for violation of the provision of the aforesaid Regulations. When complaints are received against the violation of code of ethics for doctors, such complaints are referred by EMRB  to the concerned State Medical Councils where the doctors/medical practitioners are registered. States have been advised to ensure prescription of generic drugs and conduct regular prescription audits in public health facilities.
In order to promote generic medicines at affordable prices to all, more than 9600 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras  have been set up covering all districts of the country. Department of Pharmaceuticals /Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India  is spreading awareness about the scheme through advertisements by electronic media, print media as well as through Outdoor publicity. In addition, information about the benefits of Jan Aushadhi generic medicines and the scheme is disseminated through social media platforms. PMBI also maintains a mobile application namely Janaushadhi Sugam, a single window platform to assist users to locate nearby PMBJK, search Janaushadhi medicines, telephone numbers, etc. Further, Jan Aushadhi Diwas is celebrated every year on 7 March for further dissemination and spreading awareness about the Scheme.
Under National Health Mission , support is provided for provision of essential generic drugs free of cost in public health facilities. The support is not only for drugs but also for various components necessary for effective implementation of the Free Drug Service Initiative viz. strengthening/ setting up robust systems of procurement, quality assurance, IT backed supply chain management systems like Drugs and Vaccines Distribution Management Systems  developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing , warehousing, prescription audit, grievance redressal, Information, Education and Communication , training.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Inauguration of new building of CRC, Ahmedabad and Meeting of Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 13.08.2023
Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India will inaugurate the new building of Composit regional centre , Ahmedabad on 13.08.2023. The occasion will be graced by Shri A.Narayanaswamy, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel, Hon’ble Member of Parliament , Smt. Bhanuben Manoharbhai Babariya, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment and Women & Child Development, Government of Gujarat and Sri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD among other dignitaries.
The new building has been constructed in the existing campus area of CRC, Ahmedabad with the expenditure of about Rs. 16.20 crore. The building has been designed with two floors presently, with the provision of expansion in future up to 4th floor. The building has 44 rooms with total carpet area of 3352.05 Sq. Mtr., conference room, multipurpose hall along with spacious client waiting area for each departments with facilities of P&O workshop, Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy units. Special care has been taken in design to provide accessibility features for Divyangjan like accessible lifts and Ramps with railing. The building has been established with the vision of providing comprehensive rehabilitation services for all types of disabilities.
3. After the inauguration ceremony, Meeting of Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment which will be held and chaired by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble cabinet Minster for Social Justice and Empowerment. Issues like review of functioning of Composite Regional Centre  pertaining to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and functioning of National Scheduled Castes Finance & Development Corporation , National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation  and National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation  pertaining to the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment  are likely to be discussed during the meeting.
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Special Service and Features
Central Government aims to double the income of the farmers: Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan
Kochi, July 05, 2022
Union Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Dr. L. Murugan said that the Union Government led by Prime Minister Shri .Narendra Modi is working on mission mode to double the income of the farmers. With this motto, the Central Government has been implementing many projects and added that in 2019, the Centre has formed a separate ministry for dairy development. Dr. L. Murugan was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Solar Power Project at Milma Plant in Edappally, Kochi today.
Pointing out that Ernakulam Dairy is on its way to become the country's first fully solar powered dairy plant; the Union Minister expressed confidence that this plant will be a model for the country as a whole. The Union Minister also said that with the implementation of this project, electricity consumption can be reduced by almost 90% in the plant. The Solar Power Project with 2 MW capacities will be installed at Milma Dairy Plant, Tripunithura with an outlay of Rs.11.5 crore provided through the National Dairy Development Board.
Elaborating on the various schemes being implemented by the Central Government in the field of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy development, Mr. Murugan informed that a mobile veterinary unit will be allocated for every one lakh animal in the dairy sector. The Minister added that 29 such units will be established in Kerala. Dr.L Murugan also stated that out of 5 model fishing harbors proposed to be set up in the fisheries sector, one will be in Kochi. He pointed out that this is the first unit of its kind.
The statue of Dr. Varghese Kurien, who raised India's success in the dairy sector to the global level, was unveiled at the ceremony by the State Dairy Development Minister Mrs. J. Chinchurani. MPs Hybi Eden, Benny Bahanan, National Dairy Development Board Chairman Manesh Shah, MILMA Chairman Dr. Patil Suyog Subhash Rao, John Sharath, KS Mani also spoke.
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Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Visits “Aadi Mahotsav-2019” at Dilli Haat, INA
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel visited the National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav-2019”at Dilli Haat, INA, today. Smt. Renuka Singh, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Manoj Tiwari Member of Parliament, Shri R.C. Meena, Chairman TRIFED, Shri Deepak Khandekar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Shri Pravir Krishna, MD, TRIFED were also present. 15 days’ festival  is the celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce. Shri Pradhan visited the Stalls put up by tribal artisans and witnessed their Tribal arts and their performances on the occasion.
Addressing on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Union Government is committed to the welfare and upliftment of tribal people and during past five and half years, many new initiatives have been taken for the welfare of tribal people of our country. Prime Minister’s Van Dhan Yojana is a great effort in this regard. He said that the National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” is a unique and praiseworthy initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED. It is providing new avenues of earning for tribal people.
Smt. Renuka Singh, Shri Manoj Tiwari and Shri R.C. Meena also addressed on the occasion.
The Mahotsav features exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewelry and much more through 220stalls. Over 1000 tribal artisans and artists from different States creating a Mini-India are participating in the festival. The tribes of India have a wide range of handicrafts and the government seeks to promote interaction between tribal artisans and the people..
The tribal textiles manufactured by Master tribal Craftsmen from Jammu & Kashmir in the North to Tamil Nadu in the South and from Gujarat in the West to Nagaland/Sikkim in the East are the main attractions. For the first time, this Aadi Mahotsav is showcasing a wide range of products from the tribal artisan from Leh . Apart from this special attraction a wide range of products from North Eastern States are on display and sale.
In line with the national aspiration to go cashless, the tribal artisans are accepting payment through major credit/debit cards for which Point of Sale  machines have been provided in each stall. A special training has been conducted by State Bank of India for smooth operations of this. The Mahotsav is displaying the rich digital commerce and e-commerce being promoted by Tribes India. It is an effort to take tribal commerce to the next level of digital and electronic transactions. Apart from exotic handicrafts, the Mahotsav is also showcasing the electronic and digital skills of the tribals as a special attraction.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves creation of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for Health from the proceeds of health and Education Cess
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi  as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for share of Health from the proceeds of Health and Education Cess levied under Section 136-b of Finance Act, 2007.
Salient features of the PMSSN
- A non-lapsable reserve fund for Health in the Public Account;
- Proceeds of share of health in the Health and Education Cess will be credited into PMSSN;
- Accruals into the PMSSN will be utilized for the flagship schemes of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare namely,
- Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana 
- Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres 
- National Health Mission
- Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana 
- Emergency & disaster preparedness and responses during health emergencies
- Any future programme/scheme that targets to achieve progress towards SDGs and the targets set out in the National Health Policy  2017.
- Administration and maintenance of the PMSSN is entrusted to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; and
- In any financial year, the expenditure on such schemes of the MoHFW would be initially incurred from the PMSSN and thereafter, from Gross Budgetary Support .
Benefits:
The major benefit will be: enhanced access to universal & affordable health care through availability of earmarked resources, while ensuring that the amount does not lapse at the end of financial year.
Background:
Health is vital for improved developmental outcomes. From an economic standpoint, better health improves productivity, and reduces losses due to premature death, prolonged disability and early retirement. Health and Nutrition also directly impact scholastic achievements and have a bearing on productivity and income. Health Outcomes depend substantially on public spending on health. One extra year of population life expectancy raises GDP per capita by 4%, Investment in health creates millions of jobs, largely for women, through a much needed expansion of the health workforce
In the budget speech 2018, the Finance Minister while announcing Ayushman Bharat Scheme, also announced replacement of existing 3% Education Cess by 4% Health and Education Cess.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
FDI on the increase
Foreign Direct Invest  has increased constantly from USD 45.15 billion in 2014-15 to USD 60.97 billion in 2017-18.This information was given by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry C. R. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
To boost the investment environment and to bring in foreign investments in the country, the Government has brought in FDI related reforms and liberalized various sectors of the economy. Government plays an active role in investment promotion through dissemination of information on the investment climate and opportunities in India, and by advising prospective investors about investment policies.
Details of FDI in the country during last four years are given below:
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S. No.
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Financial Year
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FDI Inflow 
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|
1.
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2014-15
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|
45.15
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|
2.
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2015-16
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55.56
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|
3.
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2016-17
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|
60.22
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|
4.
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|
2017-18
|
|
60.97
Figures are provisional subject to reconciliation with RBI, Mumbai.
Ministry of Railways
Availability of Quality Food at Stations and in Trains
To provide quality and hygienic food to passengers, a new Catering Policy has been issued on 27th February 2017 vide which Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited  has been mandated to carry out unbundling of catering services by creating a distinction between food preparation and food distribution on trains. For this purpose, meals for trains are to be sourced from kitchens owned, operated and managed by IRCTC. To ensure hygienic and good quality food to passengers, following measures have been taken by Railways:
- To upgrade quality of food preparation, IRCTC has upgraded 46 Kitchen Units in the last two years. To ensure centralized monitoring of the kitchen activities, CCTVs have been installed in 38 Kitchen Units. Sharing of live streaming of the Kitchen Units through website of IRCTC has been made operational.
- To ensure compliance of Food Safety Norms, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  certification from Designated Food Safety Officers of each catering unit has been made mandatory. Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed at Kitchen Units to monitor food safety and hygienic practices. Food samples collected by Food Safety Officers/Supervisors are sent to the nominated accredited Laboratories under Food Safety & Standard Act for analysis and testing. Penalties are imposed in cases of detection of unsatisfactory food samples.
- Examination of quality of food, hygiene and cleanliness in Pantry Cars and Kitchen Units is done through Third Party Audit. Customer satisfaction survey is also conducted through Third Party Agencies.
- Regular and surprise inspections are conducted by Railway officials including Food Safety Officers.
- In addition to above, to ensure hygienic and good quality food to passengers, following measures have also been initiated by Railways:
- System of printing QR code and other details like name of kitchen, date of packaging etc. on food packets has been initiated.
- Introduction of Ready to Eat  Meals.
- Provision of E-Catering services in trains.
- Monitoring and supervision of catering service through operation of centralized Catering Service Monitoring Cell  toll free number 1800-111-321, Twitter handle, CPGRAMS, E-Mail and SMS based complaints redressal.
In its endeavour to provide quality and hygienic food to the passengers, Railways have institutionalized a mechanism for monitoring of quality, hygiene and sale of catering items at notified rates through regular inspections at various levels. The prescribed tariff of catering items has already been notified for both mobile and static catering units on Indian Railways. The notified menu and tariff are displayed prominently for information of passengers and is also available on websites of IRCTC/Indian Railways, in Trains at a Glance, Pantry Cars etc. “No Bill- The food is for FREE” campaign has also been launched by Indian Railways.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 203.03 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 3.83 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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|
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SUPPLIED
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|
2,03,03,52,325
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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|
3,83,09,010
More than 203.03 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 3.83 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
First EOI for signing long-term agreement with upcoming dedicated Ethanol plants for supply of ethanol received an overwhelming response;
Shri Hardeep Puri says that this EOI is a proactive step to motivate project proponents to set up ethanol plants in deficit states
The first Expression of Interest  for signing long-term agreement with upcoming dedicated Ethanol plants for supply of Ethanol has received an overwhelming response, with 197 bidders participating in the same. The EOI was published by BPCL on behalf of Oil Marketing Companies under the guidance of Ministry of Petroleum &Natural Gas on 27th August which opened on 17th September. The bids are currently under evaluation.
Thanking all the bidders for making the EOI successful and wishing them all the very best in their ventures,Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas &Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri has said that this EOI is a proactive step taken by MoP&NG and Oil companies to motivate project proponents to set up ethanol production plants in ethanol deficit states, thereby paving the way forward for the nation in achieving the ethanol blending target of 20% and more in the coming years.
173 Cr litre Ethanol was procured last year and 5%blending was achieved during ESY - 2019-20. The target for ongoing year ESY - 2020-21 is 325 Cr litre which will take the blending to 8.5%. Actual achievement during ESY - 2020-21 so far has been 243 Cr litre, accounting for 8.01% blending.
The Government has announced five different rates for Ethanol based on feedstock used for Ethanol production. The raw material and rates are as under:
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Raw material
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Ex-mill price per lit
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Sugarcane juice / sugar / sugar syrup
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₹62.65
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B molasses
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₹57.61
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C molasses
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₹45.69
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Damaged food Grains / Maize
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₹51.55
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|
Surplus rice with FCI
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₹56.87
GST and Transportation charges are being paid extra. Besides, other incentives being provided for Ethanol production are: Long term visibility/Off take Assurance; Interest subvention Scheme for capacity addition; Differential remunerative price of ethanol; Relaxed EOI conditions/Reduced Bank Guarantee requirements and Penalty for non-supply; and Procurement priority within State boundary limits.
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